Fire risks of engine coolant leaks in buses

The inaugural OTSI Knowledge Article - Fire risks of engine coolant leaks in buses - provides insights based on literature review and OTSI’s investigation experience. 

Coolant leaks have been highlighted as a potential cause of vehicle fires worldwide. Several OTSI investigations into bus fires in NSW have also identified engine coolant as the likely first fuel for fire prompting further research into this area. In researching this area, OTSI identified information regarding engine coolant fire safety in vehicle operational and non-operational (storage and handling) environments. 

This Knowledge Article is targeted at bus operators and suppliers, including personnel involved with fleet management and safety compliance, and: 

• aims to provide a better understanding of the fire properties of engine coolants, the underlying science behind these properties, and the associated fire risks of coolant leaks relating to bus operations 
• identifies misinformation regarding engine coolant fire safety in vehicle operational and non-operational (storage and handling) environments. 

Knowledge Articles are designed to share OTSI insights on various transport safety topics drawing on literature research and investigation experiences. 

This article is intended for education and awareness, not necessarily to provide recommendations to transport operators or other stakeholders.